2010 Updated Legislation
California: (Updated) AB 376 Would Ban Shark Finning
Update (June 29, 2011): This bill passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee with a vote 5-0 (and two abstentions). The bill has been re-referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. A provision has been added that some type of amendment be incorporated to allow the possibility of some shark fin from “sustainable” sources. California residents are encouraged to contact their state senator to urge support on this bill.
Maryland: HB 540 Prohibits Leghold and Body-Gripping Traps in Montgomery County
Update: HB 540 was put on hold without a vote by the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee. Born Free USA will work with the Montgomery County delegation toward reintroduction in 2012.
Bill description: House Bill 540 prohibits using, setting, placing or maintaining a leghold or body-gripping trap in Montgomery County. The bill exempts traps set by the Department of Natural Resources and traps set on farmland by the property’s owner, tenant or agent.
Indiana: HB 1299 Would Legalize Captive Trophy Hunting
Update: The bill died after not passing committee by the Feb. 21, 2011, deadline.
Bill description: House Bill 1299 would allow licensed hunting facilities to harvest and hunt game mammals, elk and furbearing mammals for sporting purposes until July 1, 2018.
Indiana: HB 1135 Would Ban Fox and Coyote Penning
Update: The bill died after not passing committee by the Feb. 21, 2011, deadline.
Bill description: House Bill 1135 would amend Indiana’s Natural and Cultural Resources Code to prohibit any person who owns land from engaging in fox or coyote penning. The bill exempts designated federal land and wildlife hunting and trapping areas.
Indiana: SB 17 Requires Permits for Exotic Reptile Sales and Penalizes Releasing Exotics into the Wild
Update: The bill died after not passing committee by the Feb. 21, 2011, deadline.
Bill description: This bill is a strong first step toward addressing the multitude of problems associated with keeping wildlife in captivity. SB 17 would make it a Class C misdemeanor (a maximum $2,500 penalty, with a $500 minimum) to knowingly release an exotic (non-native, wild or feral other than a dog or cat) animal into the wild without legal authorization or to knowingly sell an exotic reptile without a permit.
Florida: SB 318 / HB 709 Prohibits the import into the state, breeding, sale and possession as pets of large constrictor snakes and Nile monitor lizards
Update: SB 318 has been signed into law by the Governor! Thanks to everyone who took action on this important piece of legislation.
Description: Many reptiles sold in the pet trade pose a risk to human health and safety. Large constrictor snakes for example are extremely dangerous wild animals, and can exhibit unpredictable and aggressive behavior. Born Free USA tracks exotic animal attacks. Large constrictor snakes are a proven threat. Burmese pythons are widely established in the Everglades, and African rock pythons are also thought to be reproducing in Florida.
Virginia: SB 570 Bans the Ownership of Primates as Pets
Update: Bad news! The bill died in committee.
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would prohibit any person from acquiring a nonhuman primate, which includes gorillas, apes, chimpanzees, orangutans, and monkeys. The ownership of primates by zoos, nature centers, museums, registered exhibitors and laboratories, parks, and research facilities would be exempted from the prohibition. Persons who currently own primates must register with animal control. An initial violation of the provision is a Class 3 misdemeanor and any subsequent violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Rhode Island: S 2027 Prohibits ownership of certain exotic reptiles
Update: Bad news! The bill was withdrawn by its sponsor.
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would prohibit the ownership of alligators, crocodiles, pythons, and boa constrictors. Ownership would be punishable by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars.
Action: Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support S. 2027. Tell your Senator that existing law will be expanded so that ownership of dangerous reptiles will not be permitted.
